Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch’s cousin surrenders to police

Islamabad: A cousin of murdered Pakistani social media sensation Qandeel Baloch on Monday turned himself over to police for investigation.

Haq Nawaz surrendered himself to police at Dera Ghazi Khan in Punjab province as his involvement was suspected in Baloch’s murder, Dawn online quoted a senior police official as saying.

Baloch’s brother, Waseem, in his confession claimed to have acted alone, saying he had drugged and then strangled his sister.

Police were, however, looking to investigate Haq Nawaz and his possible involvement in the murder.

Police also took Waseem’s polygraph and DNA tests at a forensic lab in Lahore on Friday.

Baloch was killed in her Multan house on the night of July 15 by Waseem for “family honour”.

After Qandeel’s murder, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government faced mounting pressure to pass long-delayed legislation on “honour killings” to remove a loophole which allows other family members to pardon a killer.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz earlier said the government wanted to pass the legislation and was negotiating with religious parties in parliament.